[ID:0773]There are very few entry-level positions available at the UN or in other IGOs and the few positions that do exist are extremely competitive. This means that when you are beginning your career at an IGO you're expected to be able to step into a position already possessing the necessary skills, training, education and experience.

Though the hiring process is strict, there are a few other ways to get your foot in door: recruitment programs for entry-level positions, unpaid internships, paid internships and volunteer opportunities with IGOs.

Recruitment Programs for Entry-level Positions

Many IGOs offer recruitment programs for entry-level positions with these organizations. Not all of these programs are always open to American or Canadian citizens but it is always worth checking multiple times, because the countries involved in recruitment programs often change.

The UN offers a number of recruitment schemes including their United Nations Careers: Young Professionals Programme (YPP), the...